Fighting in Sudan kills dozens of civilians in recent attacks

In Sudan, recent fighting in el-Fasher, located in North Darfur province, has escalated to severe violence affecting civilians. Over a three-day period this week, at least 53 civilians were killed and more than 60 others were injured due to shelling and military strikes carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). El-Fasher has faced ongoing conflict, which has intensified particularly since 2023 when tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese military erupted into more widespread violence. The city is currently under siege, and the alarming humanitarian crisis is deepening as safety for civilians remains compromised. The attacks primarily targeted the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighborhoods, as well as the el-Fasher displaced persons camp. Reports indicate that among the casualties, many died in shelling at functioning hospitals, emphasizing the dire risks to civilian infrastructure during this conflict. In addition to the bombardments, the RSF is accused of carrying out ground raids leading to the summary execution of individuals, classified as ethnically motivated killings. Such actions have raised serious concerns under international law and prompted calls for urgent measures by the international community. The broader context involves a prolonged conflict in Sudan, now compounded by a humanitarian catastrophe that has seen more than 40,000 fatalities since its onset, with over 14 million people displaced across the country. Specifically in el-Fasher, a scenario is unfolding where approximately 260,000 civilians are trapped, effectively stranded and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. The U.N. has identified an alarming increase in internally displaced persons, with many fleeing the ongoing violence only to end up in increasingly precarious situations. International leaders, including U.N. representatives, have made repeated appeals for enhanced civilian protection measures and accountability for the perpetration of war crimes. Denise Brown, U.N. humanitarian coordinator, characterized Tawila as one of the epicenters of the humanitarian disaster, reinforcing the extent of displacement, with claims of nearly 600,000 individuals affected. The conflict's chaotic nature has rendered traditional assistance frameworks ineffective and insufficient, illustrating a pressing need for negotiation efforts to gain access to hard-hit areas, particularly the besieged city of el-Fasher. While humanitarian aid strategies remain critical, they are currently hindered by funding deficits and escalating violence, further complicating the already dire situation in the region.